Limousin | Regions of France Departments Corrèze (19), Creuse (23), Haute-Vienne (87) Born of the combination of the Corrèze, Haute-Vienne and Creuse Departments, the modern French region of Limousin is located in central France. These departments together give rise to two main historical provinces, Limousin and Marche and also contribute to small parts of other former provinces, namely Angoumois, Poitou, Auvergne and Berry. Limoges is the largest city and historical capital of the province of Limousin, and is also the capital of the administrative region of Limousin. Today, the Limousin region is the second less populated French region and is home to just under 750,000 persons, with the majority of those being concentrated in the province of Limousin. This rural region provides peace and tranquility in its unspoiled, remote landscapes. The beauty of old castles, churches, charming bastides and villages dotting the green wooded hills is complimented by the many rivers, deep gorges and “1,000” lakes.

This is a definite attraction for water-sports lovers and creates the perfect environment for kayaking, sailing, canoeing and fishing. The region has only one large town, the capital city Limoges which is well known for its porcelain. It is often referred to as France profunde (that is, “heartland of France”), and is seen as somewhat of a bridge between the relaxed south and the more industrious serious north of the Mediterranean. Though it is often driven-by and remains a victim of neglect, the popularity of Limousin is now increasing among tourists searching for the perfect off-track holiday in quintessential, old-fashioned France. Cost of living and even property costs are significantly lower than in neighbouring regions, making it a little more popular among foreign nationals looking to buy second homes. For those seeking restoration projects, there remains a vast amount of deserted and/or run-down properties. Though it lacks particularly fertile soil, the fresh country side of Limousin is perfect to support cattle and other livestock, accounting for greater than 90% of the total agricultural output, thus making this the major industry of Limousin.

French food conglomerate BSN and other such companies in the agro-foods industry have put down roots in Limousin as a result of their attraction to the region’s large agricultural sector. The region is well known for its ox with sweet chestnut, and potato with sheep tongues, ideally served with a glass of Branceilles wine of the south of Corrèze. The area in and around Limousin has recently been targeted for economic development and a number of companies have been given subsidies and incentives for setting up business in the region. New investments include research institutions, a science park and about 12,000 companies coming to the region. Legran, a world-renowned leader in the production of low-voltage electrical supplies and equipment has sited its manufacturing centre and headquarters in the region. In addition, the 550,000 hectare woodlands of Limousin have until now been an untapped resource, and as such the region’s paper and pulp industry is now undergoing a great deal of expansion. The cheap property costs and the new developmental activities now taking place make Limousin a place of great potential for newcomers in search of a green, tranquil living environment and multiple employment opportunities.

Limousin information and tourist attractions. About-France.com Places to stay The Limousin region is made up of just three departments, the Haute Vienne (87), capital Limoges, the Creuse (23), capital Guï¿½ret, and the Corrï¿½ze (19), capital Tulle. Lying between altitudes of 200 metres and 1000 metres, the Limousin is mostly a region of hills and valleys and low mountains. The highest point in Limousin is the Mont Bessou, 977 metres, near Ussel, in the Corrï¿½ze department; it is the highest point of a large upland area, a part of the Massif central known as the Plateau de Millevaches, which borders on the higher areas of the neighbouring Auvergne region.

The only town of any size in the Limousin region is the city of Limoges; with about 140,000 inhabitants, and an urban area of almost 300,000 inhabitants, greater Limoges provides about half of all the jobs in the region - which gives a good idea of how depopulated the rest of the region is. Until the turn of the millennium, the Limousin, part of the " empty France " area, was a region that had been losing population for a century or so; that decline has now been halted, thanks largely to an influx of people from outside the region, in from Britain and Holland, seeking a quiet location in which to settle. The region's second city, Brive la Gaillarde, has just under fifty thousand inhabitants; it is the biggest town, though not the departmental capital, of the Corrï¿½ze department, the southernmost of the region's three departments.

Apart from Limoges and Brive, no town in the Limousin has more than 20,000 inhabitants; towns such as Tulle, Aubusson and Guï¿½ret are small market towns that have grown little in the last century. Once a Roman city, Limoges, lying on the river Vienne and on a main route between Paris and Toulouse, has always been a major centre, in this relatively sparsely populated region. In the Middle Ages, it was renowned as a centre of arts and culture. In the nineteenth century, it became famed throughout Europe, and beyond, for its porcelaine; indeed the city became rich with its porcelaine industry, and much of the city centre dates from this period. Limoges has a large historic quarter, with narrow streets and many fine half-timbered houses. Brive-la-Gaillarde, on the river Corrï¿½ze is an attractive small city, with a historic centre built in the pale honey coloured local stone.

Brive is also the most important centre in southern Limousin on account of its position as a communications hub, being the point where the east west route between Lyon and Bordeaux (A 89 motorway) crosses the north-south route between Paris and Toulouse (A20 motorway) . Tulle, a few miles up the Corrï¿½ze, is a small manufacturing town that has given its name to a type of fine loose meshed lacy fabric, used in the clothing industry. The town rises up the steep sides of the narrow river valley. Aubusson, in the Creuse department, is another textile town, famed worldwide for its tapestries; Aubusson tapestries were famous from the15th century onwards, but the industry declined in the early twentieth century, until it was relaunched in the late 1930's by Jean Lurï¿½at, reputedly the greatest tapestry designer of the 20th century. Rural Limousin The Plateau de Millevaches, in the Creuse - fields, forests and lakes The adjective "rural" is a bit redundant when qualifying Limousin.

Apart from the Limoges area, which has half of the region's population, Limousin is virtually synonymous with rurality. Limousin is among the least densely populated areas of France. Rural Limousin is a land of deciduous woods and fields in the west and northwest, of sheep grazing land in the north, and an upland area of spruce forests and grazing land on the Plateau de Millevaches (the plateau of the thousand springs, not the thousand cows - there are many more than that!) in the east. In the south west, the region borders the Dordogne; the river Dordogne itself cuts through the south west of the region, after several kilometres where it, in its steep wooded valley, it forms the border with the neighbouring region of Auvergne. Forming the north-western edge of the Massif Central, Limousin is a region that is relatively well watered, particularly in the east. The south-western part of the region, including the area round Brive, can be hot in summer.

Limousin travel information: Access by rail from Paris Gare d'Austerlitz; there are regular Intercitï¿½s trains from Paris to Limoges and Brive la Gaillarde, with connecting services to other towns. There are also a few cross-country services from Clermont-Ferrand via Ussel and Brive to Bordeaux. Road access to Limousin: the region is crossed north-south by the A20 motorway (Paris - Orleans - Vierzon - Toulouse), and northeast-southwest by the A89 motorway (Lyon - Clermont-Ferrand - Brive - Bordeaux) . Regional airport: Limoges airmort is served by several low cost airlines from the UK and Belgium.

There are also some services to the new Brive airport Stay in the Limousin : some ideas Main tourist attractions in the Limousin region Oradour-sur-Glane - frozen in time since 1944 The village of Turenne The chateau at Rochechouart Limoges (87) Regional capital of Limousin, city of art and history; old city centre, with parts dating from medieval times, cathedral, old bridges on the Vienne. Porcelaine museum. Oradour sur Glane (87); the martyred village. In June 1944, the Waffen SS torched the village and massacred over 600 villagers in a mistaken act of reprisal. The village has been left as it was, fixed in time, as a memory to the brutality and horror of war. Rochechouart: (87) the impressive castle, dating partly from the 13th century, houses administrative offices and an contemporary art gallery, as well as historic rooms and artefacts. St Junien (87): famous and large romanesque basilica. Ahun: (23) old village with remains of a medieval monastery.

Aubusson (23) : capital of the tapestry industry, tapestry museums, tapestry workshops, old town. Bourganeuf (23) Attractive old town, founded in mediaeval times by the Knights Hospitaller (Order of St John of Jerusalem). Argentat: (19) Delightful small town on the Dordogne. Water sports. Beaulieu sur Dordogne:(19) Fine romanesque church, with remarkable carved tympanum Brive la Gaillarde.(19) Attractive old city centre. Collonges la Rouge, Curemonte and Turenne (19); reputedly three of the prettiest villages in France. Collonges la Rouge is so known on account of the red sandstone used in the buildings. The Dordogne valley;(19) the upper Dordogne valley is a place for water sports (sailing on the artificial lakes, kayaking where the river flows freely). Parc Naturel Rï¿½gional de Millevaches: (19, 23) the Limousin highlands - outdoor activities, hiking, riding, nature.

Treignac-sur-Vï¿½zï¿½re: (19) attactive village in the upper valley of the Vï¿½zï¿½re, north of Tulle. Granite built houses with slate roofs. The Vï¿½zï¿½re offers good opportunities for kayaking. Facts on Limousin Province of France - Carp Fishing The modern region of Limousin is essentially composed of two historical French provinces which are Limousin and Marche. Within Limousin, it contains the correze in its entirity, plus the central and south eastern part of the Haute-Vienne. Within Marche, you will will find most of the Creuse department and the north and north eastern part of the Haute-Vienne. And although the old province of Marche is almost entirely contained inside the current Limousin region, there is a small part of Marche being now in the Centre region .

Beside these two main provinces, Limousin is also composed of small parts of other former provinces, which are as follows: Poitou , which is to the extreme west of Haute-Vienne Angoumois, which is to the extreme south-west of Haute-Vienne Berry, which is to the extreme north of Creuse Auvergne , which is to the extreme east of Creuse Today the province of Limousin is the most populated part of the Limousin region. Limoges, the historical capital and largest city of the Limousin province is the capital of the Limousin administrative region. Limousin is an essentially rural region. This region is famed for some of the best beef farming in the world, herds of Limousin cattle, which are a distinctive chestnut red, are a very common sight in the region. In addition to cattle, the region is also a major timber producing area. Limousin is the least populated French region in Metropolitan France. Did you know that there are fewer inhabitants in Limousin than in the city of Marseille!

Until the 1970s, Occitan was the maternal language of rural areas, and even today there remain several different Occitan dialects in use in the Limousin region. Copyright ï¿½ All Rights Reserved Region Guide to Limousin, France Location Limousin is located in central France, on the north-western plateau of the Massif Central mountain range. A granite plateau of moors, springs and waterfalls, known as the Milles Vaches surrounds the elevated valleys, gorges and peaks of the central eastern part of the region. The region extends into the lower, flatter country of the Brive basin towards the southeast. The region is bordered by Centre to the north, Poitou-Charentes and Aquitaine to the west, Midi-Pyrenees to the south and Auvergne to the East. There are three departments within the region: Corrèze [19] to the south, Creuse [23] to the northeast and Haute-Vienne [87] to the west. The capital Limoges is located to the west of the region in the department, Haute-Vienne.

Description Limousin is one of the most rural and sparsely populated regions of France and cultural traditions have been largely unaffected by the pace of modern life. The region is known for its traditional Arts and Crafts, and for its tranquil, remote and unspoilt landscapes. The mountains of the Massif Central occupy the eastern part of Limousin, and the majority of the region is located on the surrounding granite plateau. Most of Limousin’s rivers have their source in the plateau of Milles Vaches, and deep gorges and valleys have been carved into the rural landscape of moors, pastureland and forest. The abundance of rivers, streams and lakes in the region make Limousin popular for bathing, fishing, kayaking and sailing. Further south, the low lying Brive basin has a much flatter landscape of vineyards and orchards, and the churches, abbeys, and chateaux built by the renowned Limousin masons can be found throughout the region. The regional capital Limoges is the largest town in a region more commonly associated with small villages whose cultural traditions, industries and celebrations are well preserved.

These traditional industries not only bear important cultural relevance within Limousin, but are also still important to the regional economy and continue to thrive alongside the newer industries that have developed in the region due to de-centralisation. Though still relatively undiscovered, Limousin is starting to become more popular as a destination for second-home buyers due to its scenic landscapes and relaxing pace of life. Tourism is definitely set to develop as an important sector within the region’s economy. Average Max and Min Temperatures Average Rainfall Due to the different landscapes and elevation changes of the region (the highest peak, Mont Bessou is 984m above sea level), Limousin experiences a varied climate. Winters in the mountains are characterised by frost and snow with an average midwinter temperature of 0°C while the summers are crisp and clear though certainly cooler than in the lowlands. Temperatures in the Brive basin regularly exceed 30° C during the summer months, while the winters are less harsh than the mountainous regions.

Culture Limousin has a strong arts and crafts tradition of pottery and ceramics in Limoges; tapestry and weaving in Aubusson; Crozant as a centre of the impressionist art movement; Tulle lace and silks, and goldsmithing and stone masonry throughout the region. It is also the birthplace of Auguste Renoir. The landscape of Limousin has inspired many painters throughout history and Aubusson is home to the National School of Decorative Arts, founded in 1869. There are few large towns in Limousin and the landscape is dotted with charming villages, where folk traditions have survived and traditional fetes and celebrations are common. There are numerous abbeys and churches built between the 10th and 15th centuries along the Pilgrim route to Santiago de Compostela. History of Limousin No other region in France has more Saints than Limousin and the Ostentations is a septennial parade of relics through the street of every village. Much of Limousin’s historic legacy is borne in the abbeys and churches, castle and chateaux, and historic centres of the larger towns.

Bourganeuf in La Creuse is a historically important centre of the Knights Templar and La Souterraine in the north of the region is of religious significance due to the 13th Century crypt that forms part of the Pilgrim route to St. Jacques de Compostela. Artistically, Limoges, which pre-dates the Roman Empire, is the birthplace of Auguste Renoir, and Crozant is the historic centre of the late 19th/early 20th Century art movement commonly termed L’Ecole de Crozant. The name Limousin is derived from, the Gallic Lemovices tribe, who inhabited the region prior to Roman conquest in 50BC. The region formed part of the province Aquitania under Roman rule and was subsequently ruled by the Merogovian and then the Carolingian Franks between the 5th and 10th Centuries AD. By the 10th Century, the region was governed by a number of feudal counts and the majority of the modern day region of Limousin was subordinate to the Duke of Aquitaine.

In 1152, Eleanor of Aquitaine’s marriage to Henry Plantagenet, the future King of England, brought Limousin under the suzerainty of the English crown. Technically this made Limousin an autonomous feudal state, whose international affairs were governed by the English King, but whose internal affairs were controlled by the regional counts. Possession of the region was subsequently contested by the English and French throughout the 13th, 14th and 15th Centuries, most famously by Richard the Lionheart, who was fatally wounded in battle at the Chateau of Chalus-Chabrol, in Haute-Vienne (his remains are buried in the castle chapel). The region remained under French suzerainty, following the Hundred Years War (1337-1453) and came under direct royal control in 1607. Curemonte, Limousin Monastic life was hugely important throughout the region during the Middle Ages and the many Romanesque abbeys and churches found in Limousin today are evidence of this. Many of these are adorned with the stained glass for which the region is famed.

During the 18th Century, Limousin found itself in a period of economic growth, thanks largely to the world-renowned porcelain of Limoges. Since this time, the Arts and Crafts industries have expanded and modernised and the region world famous for its porcelain, enamel, tapestry and stained glass. Economy As it’s one of least populated regions in France, tourism is becoming an increasingly important economic activity in a region, traditionally famed for its ceramics and textiles production, which continues to be one of Limousin’s major assets. Although the region is not heavily industrialised, the primary industrial sectors are food and drink production, electronics manufacture, metallurgy, ceramics, paper, leather, and timber processing. The rivers here provide hydroelectricity. In recent years the Limousin has been the focus of economic development and companies have been offered incentives and subsidies for locating here. Industrial Sectors Food and drink production are leading sectors in Limousin, due the agriculture of the region. The manufacture of electrical components and mechanical equipment is largely based around Limoges and La Creuse with the industries well represented, by companies such as Legrand and Dagard.

Metallurgy involves almost 10,000 employees and is a leading manufacturing sector within the region. As well as many small scale businesses, Renault Trucks and Valeo are also well established in the region. Limoges is world-famous for the ceramic and porcelain industries that developed here in the 18th Century. The traditional techniques have been modernised and the industry continues to thrive led by large companies such as Haviland, Bernardaud and Allia. In addition to sanitary ware and products for the building trade, tableware and decorative items are also produced here. The forests of the region support the paper, furniture manufacturing and timber industries. Paper is a traditional industry and employs more than 3000 people, with large European and American companies established alongside smaller businesses. Similarly furniture production is also a traditional activity with the primary employers being Ozoo France, Meubles Sauthon, Stratobois and Eguizier. The timber industry is a relatively new sector within the region, but with one third of Limousin covered by forest, the industry is expanding rapidly i.e. timber production has doubled over the past 20 years.

Other industries that are key to the region’s economy are; the leather industry, with leading manufacturer, Weston located in the region; the graphics industry and the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries, which though relatively small are undergoing a period of expansion in the region. Agriculture Agriculture in Limousin, is dominated by cattle farming, in particular the famous Limousin breed. With over 800,000 hectares of agricultural land available, almost one third of Limousin is given over to permanent pasture. The granite plateau that surrounds the mountains is known as the “Milles Vaches”, which translates as ‘A thousand cows’. Although cattle farming accounts for 85% of regional agricultural output, sheep farming is also common in the Northern parts of Haute-Vienne. Cereals, chestnuts and potatoes are widely grown in Limousin, although many of the cereal and root crops are cultivated as animal fodder. The soils of the Brive basin are far more fertile than those of the plateau and the countryside here is a tapestry of vineyards and orchards.

Cuisine Limousin cuisine is characterised by the exceptional quality of its meat, (in particular, beef and veal, but it’s also known for its lamb, hams, duck and geese), by the fresh water fish of the rivers, lakes and streams, and by the chestnuts and mushrooms of the forests. Traditional dishes are often simply prepared and make the most of the quality of the produce, slow cooked hearty stews are common. Pâté aux pomme de terre Limousin (Limousine potato pie) is a traditional dish that often accompanies the meats of the region. The charcuterie, sausages and pâtés of Limousin, often feature the chestnuts, morelles and cèpes mushrooms that grow here. The fresh water fish that are caught in the rivers and lakes include trout, pike and perch. The strawberries, gooseberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackcurrants that are grown in the area are used to make liqueurs, jams, tarts and pastries. The region is home to a number of traditional cakes and puddings i.e.

Clafoutis aux Cerises Noires (cherry clafoutis), Apple Flaugnarde (a soufflé-like cake) and the almond gâteaux made in La Creuse. Walnuts are grown around Turenne and are a feature of sweet cakes and puddings, as well as savoury breads and pates that are traditional to the area. Province of Limousin, France and more! LIMOUSIN Limousin is a historic province of central France in the northwestern part of the MASSIF CENTRAL. Rich pastures are used for raising Limousin beef cattle, one of the leading breeds of Europe. Other traditionally famous products of the region are AUBUSSON tapestries and enamels and porcelains from LIMOGES, the historic capital and present regional center. The region's name is derived from the Lemovices, a Gallic tribe native to the area during the pre-Roman and Roman period. The area was controlled by Romans from about 50 BC. In the 16th century it came under Frankish rule.

In 918, Limousin became a fief of Aquitaine, and during the Middle Ages it became well known for its troubadour poetry. Beginning in the 12th century, French and English kings vied for the control of Limousin, and during the Hundred Years' War (1337-1453) France gained control of the area. King Henry IV annexed Limousin to the French crown in 1607. In 1790 the province was divided among the present-day departments of Corrèze, Creuse, and Haute-Vienne. LIMOGES Limoges is the capital city of Haute-Vienne department and an industrial and commercial center in south central France. The city's population is 133,464 (1990). Limoges is located on the Vienne River about 210 km (130 mi) northwest of Bordeaux, on the western edge of the Massif Central. The famous Limoges porcelain has been manufactured there since 1771. Electrical equipment, automobile parts, paper, and shoes are also made in the city. Uranium is mined nearby.

The Gothic Cathedral of Saint Etienne, begun in 1273 and completed in 1520, is the most imposing building in the city. Cultural institutions include an excellent ceramic museum (opened 1867) and the University of Limoges (1808). Limoges was originally the Roman city of Augustoritum. Two towns grew up there, one near the river and one on the hillside, where the Abbey of Saint Martial (9th century), a medieval pilgrimage center, was located. The two towns were united in 1792. Limoges is the birthplace of Pierre Auguste Renoir . Lawrence M. Sommers Source: The New Grolier Multimedia Encyclopedia, Release #8, ©1996 Limousin Links: Limousin Map | Map of Limousin, France Carte du Limousin LIMOUSIN Limousin is one of the French Metropolitan Regions of France. The capital of this region is Limoges. This region is divided into three departments Correze, Creuse and Haute-Vienne.

Limousin is divided into 8 arrondissements, 106 Cantons and 747 communes. This region occupies over 16,942 km 2 of France’s area. GEOGRAPHY AND CLIMATE OF LIMOUSIN It’s an upland area. There’s a wide gap between the lowest land and the highest land of the region. The lowest land is approximately 250 m above sea level and the highest land is around 1009 m above sea level. Some important rivers of this region are Dordogne, Vienne, Cher and Creuse. The region is meets all the requirements for first-rate fishing. Summers in Limousin region can be hot with temperatures that would exceed 32 °C. Winters of this region are long and cold. Snow is a common feature of winters in Limousin. FORMATION OF LIMOUSIN Limousin comprises of two historical French provinces namely Limousin and Marche. Limousin comprises of Correze department and central and southeastern part of Haute-Vienne. Marche comprises of most of Cruese department and the north and north-eastern part of Haute-Vienne.

Small parts of other former provinces are also a part of Limousin. These regions include Angoumois, Poitou, Auvergne and Berry. At present, the most populated section of this region is the province of Limousin. POPULATION OF LIMOUSIN Populationwise this region is ranked 22nd in the world. In Europe, Limousin is the French region, which has the least number of people living here. Infact, the population of the region is so less that it is quite often taken as an example to support to demand for merging of the regions. Limousin’s Cruese departement has the oldest population in France. ECONOMY OF LIMOUSIN Limousin is a rural region. One thing this region is known for is beef-farming. Limousin is very famous for the herds of Limousin cattle found here. It’s also a popular timber-producing region. The capital of this region, Limoges was once an industrial power-base. The capital was world-renowned for its porcelain. POLITICS IN LIMOUSIN This region is considered a stronghold of the left. Limoges was the political center.

Correze is a department that tends towards the right. It is also the departement of the president Jacques Chirac. Last Updated : June 25, 2014 LIMOUSIN : map, cities and data of the region Limousin - France Hotel Corrèze Inter-Hôtel Tulle Centre Inter-Hôtel Tulle Centre is located in the city centre, 2 km from Tulle railway station. It offers air-conditioned accommodation and a 24-hour reception. All of the rooms at Inter-Hôte... Rate : from 79.00 € to 99.00 € Address : 16 Quai de la République 19000 Tulle Hotel Corrèze Manoir XV Domaine de Peyrafort A 15th-century manor with 3-acre grounds, Manoir XV Domaine de Peyrafort is a guest house located less than 3 km from the heart of Tulle and offering free Wi-Fi in all the bedrooms. In t...

Price : from 59.50 € to 85.00 € Contact : 6 Chemin de Peyrafort 19000 Tulle Hotel Creuse Appartement d'Hôtes Located in the heart of Guéret, 66 km from Montluçon and 90 km from Limoges, Appartement d'hôtes offers a superior studio with free Wi-Fi and a private shower room. The living room ha... Prices : from 0.00 € to 0.00 € Contact : 15 avenue Fayolle 23000 Guéret Hotel Creuse Inter-Hotel Auclair This Inter-Hotel is located 1 km from Guéret SNCF Train Station and half way between Paris and Toulouse. It has a swimming pool, garden and free Wi-Fi access. The Auclair Inter-Hotel of...

Rate : from 49.50 € to 80.00 € Contact : 19, Avenue De La Sénatorerie 23000 Guéret Hotel Haute-Vienne Hôtel Mercure Royal Limousin This modern hotel is ideally situated in the city centre, close to the Opéra-Théâtre, the shops and the historic district. The hotel is decorated in a contemporary style and all rooms ... Price : from 80.00 € to 159.00 € Address : Place de La République, Bp 280 87007 Limoges Hotel Haute-Vienne ibis Limoges Centre Located in the city centre of Limoges, hotel ibis Limoges Centre offers 24-hour reception, free WiFi throughout and a bar serving snacks 24 hours a day. The air-conditioned rooms at ibis...

Prices : from 55.20 € to 95.00 € Contact : 6 bld Victor Hugo 87000 Limoges Map of Limousin Limousin, France: travel guide, places to visit and attractions in Limousin Limousin: tourism and sightseeing Visit Limousin, France The lakes and mountains, valleys and forests, interspersed with crashing rivers and small traditional villages all combine to give the Limousin its own very distinctive personality. The unspoiled charm and tranquility make this 'off the beaten track' region well worth exploring... Limousin tourism The Limousin region is situated in the centre of southern France, around the town of Limoges. It is essentially a rural region of unspoiled countryside, with a varied landscape of forested hills, open moorlands and traditional farms being the main features. Much of the region is at an altitude of more than 350 metres, so it can be rather cold or wet. As a result the Limousin region is not always highly placed on the tourist circuit, but it has a great deal to offer and is perhaps perfect for those wishing to explore somewhere off the beaten track.

Places to visit in Limousin with reviews from France This Way Below you can see a description of Limousin and its highlights. For details of each place (town, village, attraction...) that we have reviewed see places to visit in Limousin . Limousin travel guide and highlights Limousin highlights by department There are three departments that together make up Limousin: Creuse, Haute-Vienne and Correze. You can see the highlights for each of these departments below. It is the Correze department of southern Limousin that is the most visited part of the region and where most of the popular highlights are situated, although the Creuse and Haute-Vienne departments also have their own places of interest for the more intrepid explorer! Correze The Correze department has a great deal to enjoy, with traditional towns and villages set in beautiful countryside and the upper reaches of the Dordogne river. This is especially true of the south of the department where the countryside and villages have a lot in common with the neighbouring departments of the Lot and the Dordogne. The capital of Correze is Tulle , a town with and interesting historic centre.

North-east of Tulle we particularly enjoyed a visit to Meymac , a detour to the pretty village of Saint-Angel and the small historical centre of the village that gives its name to the department at Correze The town of Donzenac is towards the west of the Correze department, north of Brive-la-Gaillarde, and within easy reach of several highlights including the impressive walled town of Uzerche on the Vezere river, which is one of our favourite towns in Limousin, and the two villages of Treignac and Ségur-le-Chateau that are both classified among the 'most beautiful villages of France'. In the south-east of Correze you can find three more 'most beautiful villages of France' close together: Turenne , Collonges-la-Rouge and Curemonte . All three are very different in character and well worth exploring. Close to here the pretty town of Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne also has a centre containing medieval houses and a church, and is in a picturesque setting on the banks of the Dordogne river. The small town of Argentat a short distance to the north is especially lovely with its old houses overhanging the river.

The pretty scenery and the proximity of this group of villages and towns to the eastern Dordogne and northern Lot departments, each also very attractive, makes the south-east Correze the most visited part of Limousin. See the Correze travel guide for more highlights and information Northern Limousin: Haute-Vienne / Creuse The Haute-Vienne and Creuse departments of northern Limousin are less visited than their southern neighbour, Correze, but each has its own quiet highlights waiting to be discovered and explored. Haute-Vienne The capital of the Haute-Vienne department is the town of Limoges . Well known for its pottery, Limoges also has some historical monuments of interest to visit. To the north-west of Limoges a particularly poignant visit is to Oradour-sur Glane , a village destroyed by the Germans during the second world war and retained unchanged since that day in tribute. To the east of Limoges the town of Saint-Leonard-de-Noblat is pleasant to explore, and Eymoutiers in the south-east corner of the department also has an attractive historic centre.

Close to here the popular leisure lake called the Lac de Vassiviere is on the border between Haute-Vienne and Creuse and a popular base for leisure activities in the summer months. To the west of Limoges you arrive at Aixe-sur-Vienne , the gateway town to the Regional Natural Park of the Perigord-Limousin. Close to here, Rochechouart is the site of a meteorite impact and has an attractive chateau. The countryside to the north of the Haute-Vienne also has some interesting sights and places to visit such as Bellac and Le Dorat with its romanesque collegiale church. A short distance south-west of Bellac we recommend a visit Mortemart , classified as one of the 'most beautiful villages in France'. See the Haute-Vienne travel guide for more highlights and information Creuse In the Creuse department the most popular attraction is Aubusson , known worldwide for its rugs and tapestries a fact commemorated by museums in the town. To the west of the department the market town of La Souterraine is another undiscovered highlight, and in the centre of Creuse we enjoyed a walk around Guéret, the capital of the department.

Close to Gueret your children will enjoy getting lost in the 'Labyrinthe Géant de Guéret', a giant maze covering more that two hectares and claimed to be the largest in the world! Further east you can visit Evaux-les-Bains, the only spa town in the Limousin region. In the north-east of the department you can visit the unusual landscape created by granite boulders called the Pierres Jaumatres at Toulx-Sainte-Croix and also the 15th century Chateau de Boussac, a richly furnished castle that is among the most imposing in Limousin. Also in north-east Creuse, another imposing castle is the ruins of the Chateau de Crozant, on a rocky outcrop above the village of the same name and on a site occupied since prehistoric times. In the south-west of Creuse you enter the northern Regional Natural Park des Millevaches and can also visit the largest lake in the Limousin region, the Lac de Vassiviere, which has beaches and various leisure activities. Another natural highlight here is the waterfall called the Cascade des Jarraux at Saint-Martin-Chateaux.

(Oradour-sur-Glane photo courtesy Dennis Nilsson, Sweden) See also:

Question: What is the capital of the French region of Limousin?
Answer: LIMOGES